Zhang Jiebin: introduction about his biography and legends, main books and academic thoughts.
✵Zhang Jiebin was a famous herbalist from the Ming Dynasty. He was especially versed in the Internal Classic. Zhang Jingyue was well-versed in history and classics and was familiar with the ancient Six Classics and various schools. He spent many years studying the ancient classics, from Huang Di and Qi Bo onward, and had a specific understanding of them. With 40 years of effort, he compiled the famous medical work Lei Jing (the Classified Canon, or the Systematic Compilation of the Inner Canon).
張介賓 (Zhāng Jièbīn).
Brief Introduction
Chinese Name:
張介賓 (Zhāng Jièbīn)
Alias:
会卿 (Huì Qīng),景嶽 (Jǐng yuè)
Popular name:
通壹子 (Tōng Yī Zǐ)
English Name:
Zhang Jiebin, or Jiebin Zhang (Given/Sur Name)
Hometown:
HuiJi
Dates:
about 1563-1640 A.D.
Main works:
《類經》(Lei Jing, or the Classified Canon, or the Systematic Compilation of the Inner Canon),《類經附翼》(Lei Jing Fu Yi),《類經图翼》(Lei Jing Tu Yi),《景嶽全書》(Jing Yue Quan Shu, or Jing Yue's Complete Works),《質疑錄》(Zhi Yi Lu),etc.
Representative works:
Lei Jing (the Classified Canon, or the Systematic Compilation of the Inner Canon),Lei Jing Fu Yi (Supplementary to the Classified Canon),Lei Jing Tu Yi (Illustrated Supplementary to the Classified Canon),Jing Yue Quan Shu (Jing Yue's Complete Works),etc.
Biography and legends:
Zhang Jiebin (張介賓Zhāng Jièbīn,1563-1640 A.D.), his aliases are 会卿 (Huì Qīng) and 景嶽 (Jǐng yuè), his alternative name is 通壹子 (Tongyi Zi), was a famous herbalist of the Ming Dynasty. He was especially versed in the Internal Classic. His ancestors immigrated to Hui Ji (present-day Shaoxing) due to their military achievements. He was a smart child with a gift and his hobby was reading books. His father, Zhang Shoufeng (張壽峰Zhāng Shòufēng), taught him ancient medical works from a young age and introduced him as a disciple of the renowned herbalist Yu Mengshi (余夢石 Yú Mèngshí) when he was 14 years old. He learned all of his teacher's skills in a few years. After finishing his studies in medicine, Zhang Jingyue did not start clinical practice immediately. As a generous person who liked to travel, he hoped to fight in battles like his ancestors. So, he joined the army and traveled to areas include Yu Lin, Jie Shi, Feng Cheng, and Ya Jiang. His footsteps were throughout half of China. Later, due to his character and personality not aligning with the secular temporal affairs, he didn't have some achievement in battle. Therefore, he returned to his hometown and began doing medical research.
Main books and academic thoughts:
Zhang Jingyue was well-versed in history and classics and was familiar with the ancient Six Classics and various schools. He spent many years studying the ancient classics, from the time of Huang Di and Qi Bo. With 40 years of effort, he compiled the famous medical work Lei Jing (Classified Canon or Systematic Compilation of the Inner Canon), which has 32 volumes with detailed contents organized into 12 categories: She Chen, Yin Yang, Visceral Manifestation, Mai Se, Channel and Meridians, Root Causes and Symptoms, Scent and Taste, Treatment, Disease, Acupuncture, Yunqi Doctrine (five evolutive phases and six climatic factors), and Hui Tong. The academic work Lei Jing (Systematic Compilation of the Internal Classic) was a masterpiece. According to literary records, the compilation took many years: "Edited for over 30 years and revised four times until the final edition was completed." The book was published in the 4th year of the Tian Qi era (the year 1624 A.D., Tian Qi is the reign title of Ming Xi Zong, 1621–1627 A.D.). Zhang Jingyue studied and practiced the ancient work Nei Jing (The Inner Canon) for almost 30 years. He considered Nei Jing (the Inner Canon) the supreme work of medicine and believed that herbalists must learn it. However, the Nei Jing (the Inner Canon) "is difficult to read and study due to its depth and abstruseness," and needs to be explained. Since the Tang Dynasty, herbalists have added many notes to the work Nei Jing (the Inner Canon). Herbalist Wang Bing was a prominent scholar who influenced many because he provided edits and notes on Su Wen(the Plain Questions), but he did not provide notes or interpretation on Ling Shu (the Miraculous Pivot). Various notes from different schools have emerged, offering more detailed explanations of fields that were previously unexplored. The literature of Su Wen (The Plain Questions) and Ling Shu (The Miraculous Pivot) is closely related and can be interpreted correspondingly. To this end and seek some convenience, Zhang Jingyue "completely searched these two works, changed the old editions," classified them, and "combined the two into one, naming it Lei Jing. The meaning of Lei opens the essence of the Su Wen with the Ling Shu and finds the secret of the Ling Shu with the Su Wen. It combines the two as internal and external with each other and detects their meanings thoroughly." The Lei Jing (Systematic Compilation of the Internal Classic) is divided into 12 categories and several sections. The sections are titled according to the same content and are followed by original literature from the two works. They are also accompanied by detailed notes and interpretations and point out the shortcomings of the various schools' notes since the time of Wang Bing. His notes are listed in clear order and are easy to read and check. They have extreme interpretations. Zhang Jingyue, an open-minded herbalist, had an in-depth and fine study of the ancient classic Nei Jing(the Inner Canon), with references from various schools. His work Lei Jing (Systematic Compilation of the Internal Classic) compiles the essence and extracts of previous commentators and interpreters, adding his viewpoints. It offers breakthroughs and creative viewpoints on theory and provides fresh notes and explanations. It is an important reference book for studying the Nei Jing (The Inner Canon). He also applied diagram forms and provided detailed interpretations of topics such as Yin and Yang, the five elements, Yun Qi, meridians, and acupuncture. He compiled the 11-volume professional work Lei Jing Tu Yi, which contains his special treatise on the development of the Nei Jing (the Inner Canon), as well as the four-volume work Lei Jing Fu Yi. The two works provided additional supplementary notes on questions that are not explained and interpreted in the work Lei Jing. In his later years, he combined his rich clinical experience, in-depth studies, and theories to write the 64-volume academic book Jing Yue Quan Shu (Jing Yue's Complete Works), which records theories, treatment recipes, and herbs. Huang Zongxi (1610-1695 A.D.) wrote a legend about him: "He helps patients relieve their suffering by meditating on pathogenic origins. His simple recipes and large dosages work well enough. Folks who seek treatment all come to his gate. Generals all send gold to ask him for treatment." Zhang Jingyue was well-versed in many subjects, including medicine, divination, and astrology. While staying in Liaoyang Dao, he heard a horse driver singing loudly, so Zhang said, "This is a bad sound!..." Later events turned out to be just as he had prophesied. Then, at 58 years old, Zhang Jingyue returned to the Yue area and lived there for 20 years. He drew a portrait of himself on the day he was dying and gave his three sons some final words of wisdom. He passed away at the age of 78.
The four-volume book Lei Jing Fu Yi (Supplementary to the Classified Canon), published in the fourth year of the Tianqi era (1624 A.D.), is a supplement to Lei Jing. It explains related research and the author's specific viewpoints. The first volume, titled Yi Yi, discusses the theoretical relationships between medical theory and the Zhou Yi (I Ching) theory. The second volume, titled Lv Yuan, discusses ancient melodies and medical theory. The third volume, titled Qiu Zheng Lu, elaborates on the kidney tonification theory. The fourth volume, titled Zhen Jiu Fu, compiles various acupuncture poems from previous herbalists for reference.
The book Lei Jing Tu Yi (Illustrated Supplementary to the Classified Canon), 11 volumes, was published in the fourth year of the Tianqi era (1624 A.D.). It is a supplement to the book Lei Jing with graphs and graphic explanations. It provides an in-depth explanation of the content of the Nei Jing (the Inner Canon) with graphs. The book mainly discusses Yunqi and acupuncture and provides graphic explanations of Yunqi (the five elements' motion and six kinds of natural factors) and the meridians and Shu-acupoints, as well as the main acupuncture and moxibustion points and related key points. The book is accompanied by abundant graphs of acupuncture and meridians. Quoting a large volume of literature, it provides numerous graphs and graphic explanations. It is a necessary reference book for studying Yunqi theory, acupuncture, and moxibustion.
The book Jing Yue Quan Shu (Jing Yue's Complete Works) was finished by 1640 A.D. It has 24 categories and 63 volumes. It is rich in content and includes theory, herbs, prepared prescriptions, and clinical diseases. It is a complete, systematic clinical reference book. Zhang Jingyue has wide knowledge, is talented, and is skilled in declamation. His articles were written in an impressive manner. They discussed topics from many different angles, referenced many sources, and used strong logic for deduction and inference. This is why Jing Yue Quan Shu (Jing Yue's Complete Works) spread widely and became a must-read for many herbalists in later generations. For two hundred years after that, it was a necessary book for herbalists to read, and it had a significant influence. The book is classified into 24 categories and covers 63 volumes. Its main contents are briefly introduced below: The first three volumes, under the title Chuan Zhong Lu, discuss Yin and Yang, the six climate factors, and comment on previous herbalists and sages. The fourth to sixth volumes, under the title Mai Shen Zhang, select refined and essential theories from various schools for syndrome conditions. The seventh and eighth volumes, under the title Shang Han Dian, discuss syndromes and the treatment of seasonal exogenous diseases in general. The ninth to 36th volumes, under the title Za Zheng Mo, discuss internal diseases in detail, including various wind syndromes, non-wind syndromes, syncope syndromes, wind affection, wind numbness (wandering arthritis), perspiration syndromes, palpitations, wasting thirst syndromes, stagnation syndromes, among others, a total of over 70 kinds. They list classical meanings, discuss syndromes and treatments, and quote previous theses. They also include simple and alternative recipes, as well as acupuncture and moxibustion methods. The 37th and 38th volumes are titled Fu Ren Gui and cover topics such as menstruation, pulse, pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, leucorrhea, breast syndromes, and offspring, and so on. The 39th and 40th volumes are titled Xiao Er Ze and cover topics such as the birth of a baby, infant care, infant convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, night sweats, and infant feverish perspiration, and so on. The 41st through 44th volumes are titled Ma Zhen Quan and Dou Zhen Quan and discuss the pathological reasons and treatment of measles and exanthema variolosum. The 45th and 46th volumes are titled Wai Ke Qian and cover topics such as the syndrome differentiation and identification of external diseases, as well as their treatment and recipes. The 47th and 48th volumes are titled Ben Cao Zheng and record over 300 kinds of herbs. It imitates the categories of the book Ben Cao Gang Mu and classifies herbs into 14 categories and provides introductions to their names, nature, tastes, types of yin and yang, main functions, mechanisms, application scope, precautions, and cautions. The 49th and 50th volumes, titled Xin Fang Ba Zhen, mainly contain a collection of effective new recipes and prescriptions from the author, totaling 186 new prescriptions. The 51st to 59th volumes, titled Gu Fang Ba Zhen, mainly contain a collection of effective ancient recipes and prescriptions, totaling 1,516 prescriptions. The 60th to 63rd volumes, titled Fu Ren Fang, Xiao Er Fang, Dou Zhen Fang Ji Wai Ke Fang, mainly contain a collection of effective recipes and prescriptions for gynecology, pediatrics, exanthema variolosum, and external diseases. It collects essential discussions from previous herbalists and combines them with the author's own subtle conclusions to create a complete work.
Zhi Yi Lu is an 11-volume book published in 1688 A.D. It is a late work by Zhang Jingyue that collects 45 medical articles. The articles mainly discuss the successes and failures of previous schools and herbalists. They provide reasonable discussions of the bigoted viewpoints of previous schools and herbalists during the Jin and Yuan periods to correct their mistakes. The articles focused on discussions of syndrome differentiation and the treatment principles of various diseases. They elaborate on the theory of warm tonics and provide further corrections and analyzes of Zhang Jingyue's improper viewpoints from his early years.
Zhi Yi Lu, a collection of 45 treatises written by Zhang Jingyue in his later years, provides detailed analyses of the theories of various schools during the Jin and Yuan periods. It also offers amendments and supplements to the treatises he published earlier. Zhang Jingyue was skilled at differentiating the eight principal syndromes and detecting the pathogenesis and origin of disease. He advocated the use of warm tonics and developed unique treatment methods for deficiencies and asthenic diseases. He was against using bitter, cold herbs to nourish Yin and corrected the mistakes of the cold theory. His theory of Yin-Yang and Life-Gate had a significant impact on the development of the fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Zhang Jingyue's academic achievement are undeniable, and he made significant contributions to the development of Chinese Traditional Medicine.
According to later authors, in the final years of his life, Zhang Jingyue re-compiled the ancient work Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Febrile Diseases) with his remarkable insights. Unfortunately, this book was never published, and the drafts disappeared without a trace. This is a significant loss for later generations.
Zhang Jingyue suggested the theory of herbalist Zhu Danxi, who lived in an era when Ju Fang pharmacy was popular. Physicians in that era often used spicy, hot, drying herbs, which could damage Yin and cause Yin injury and loss of body liquids. Thus, Zhu Danxi based his theory on the conclusion that "Yang is excess and Yin is deficient." During the Ming dynasty, the fire-heat theory of Liu Hejian and Zhu Danxi was the mainstream. Many herbalists held to one theory and were conservative about prescriptions. They abused herbs with cold, chilling properties, which injured the spleen and harmed the stomach. This became common malpractice in the clinical field. During his years of practice, Zhang Jingyue gradually abandoned Zhu Danxi's theory and followed the pioneer of the Warm-Recuperation School, the herbalist Xue Ji (薛己 Xuē Jǐ). Xue Ji was assigned as the Tai Yi Yuan Shi of the Ming dynasty, and he mainly treated diseases in imperial households. The pathogenesis of their diseases was often related to deficiency, so they preferred tonics. Zhang Jingyue followed Xue Ji and developed his own views of warm tonics. He created a theory that differed from Zhu Danxi's "Yang is excess and Yin is deficient." Instead, he established the theory that "Yang is not excess; Essence Yin is deficiency." He created many famous recipes for kidney replenishment. The theory of Zhang Jingyue, born from the correction needs of the time, had a significant influence on later generations. He prefers to use more warm tonics in applications, but charlatans may abuse warm tonics and hide their shortcomings.
Zhang Jingyue's Medical Philosophy: Zhang Jingyue emphasized the study of ancient philosophy. He had an in-depth knowledge of the ancient work Nei Jing (The Inner Canon) and Zhou Yi (The Book of Changes, or I Ching). His purpose in studying philosophy was "to disclose the essential meanings of the I Ching for flexible applications in medical theories." In his works, he wrote sincere advice: "The opinion that one can learn medicine without necessity to study the Zhou Yi is based on the belief that studying medicine is not difficult. It is just similar to such a declaration. However, there are things that are not visible to the eye and sounds that are inaudible to the ear. This view is superficial...The study of medicine and the study of Zhou Yi are necessary for each other. Understanding them both simultaneously allows a herbalist to grasp the changes of the I Ching that come from the heaven and the applications of medicine that come from me." He advised studying the Zhou Yi with medicine. He gave interpretations based on the idea that "the study of medicine and the Zhou Yi are from the same origin" to explain the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine. He said that "the Yin and Yang were already discussed in the Nei Jing (the Inner Canon), but the changes are no greater than those described in the Zhou Yi (the Book of Changes, or the I Ching)." He proposed the Yin and Yang theory, which is the guiding theory of traditional Chinese medicine. His main viewpoints on this subject can be summarized in six key points:⑴.The explanation is the integration, or unity, of the heaven-earth with the San Yuan Taiji Tu (the diagram of the universe in three circles). Zhang Jingyue recorded a graph titled San Yuan Taiji Tu (Diagram of the Universe in Three Circles) in his book Lei Jing Tu Yi. He also quoted a discussion about Yin and Yang from the article Nei Jing·Yin Yang Ying Xiang Da Lun (The Inner Canon·The Great Treatise on Yin Yang Classification of Natural Phenomena Chapter) as a supplemental note, it states: "Yin and Yang are the laws of nature, the principles of all things, the mother of all changes, and the roots of life and death." ⑵.The integration of Yin and Yang: Zhang Jingyue proposed the integration of Yin and Yang, emphasizing the guiding functions of the Yin Yang theory in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. He clearly pointed out the famous inference that "Yin and Yang are two from one." This integration opinion of Yin and Yang comes from the work Nei Jing (The Inner Canon), in which he points out the relationship between Yin and Yang and medicine. ⑶.Respect the importance of Yang and the incompatibility between the healthy energy and the pathogens: Zhang Jingyue respected the importance of Yang. His viewpoint about the importance of the Yang aspect came from the article Nei Jing·Sheng Qi Tong Tian Lun (the Inner Canon·The Vital Qi Access to the Heaven Chapter), combined with the balance of Yin and Yang. ⑷.Combine the Yin and Yang with the Five Elements to create an integration: The theory of Yin and Yang originated in the pre-Qin period, as what taught from the ancient work Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) by Lao-tzu, "all things have Yin on their backs and Yang in their embrace." The five elements theory is an important part of ancient Chinese philosophy. Works such as the Nei Jing (the Inner Canon) combined these two theories. Zhang Jingyue attached great importance to water and fire. This declaration is the philosophical basis for his warm tonic theory of treatment.⑸.The wills and intentions are all from the form and quality: Regarding relationships, Zhang Jingyue wrote in his work Lei Jing Tu Yi·Yin Yang Ti Xiang: "The mosquito's mouth is minimal; Qi and blood can pass through. The louse's eye is very small; it can recognize things. From this, one can deduce that, whether it is the widest and extreme, or the tiniest and essential, it is accumulated with Qi and generated by chance. The biggest cannot be measured, and the tiniest cannot be detected. How can they simply be described as manufactured?" ⑹.The Balance Between Movement and Quiet: Zhang Jingyue clearly pointed out that movement and quiet belong to Yin and Yang. Therefore, he attached great importance to the relationships between movement and quiet in his practice.
Zhang Jingyue's warming therapy: Zhang Jingyue is the main representative of the Warming Tonification School. His warm supplement theory was influenced by the ancient herbalists Xue Lizhai, Li Dongyuan, and Xu Shuwei. Frequent plagues occurred during the Ming dynasty. Herbal prescriptions with cold and bitter nature were mostly used for residual pathogens that were not cleared after treatment and for symptoms of low fever due to Yin deficiency that lasted a long time. Thus, the theories "Six Qi all follow the transformation of fire" by Liu Hejian and "Yang is usually redundant, while Yin is ever deficient" by Zhu Danxi became popular. Zhang Jingyue believed that to correct mistakes of popular theories, one must clearly discuss the theories of different schools and differentiate them. Then, one should absorb the useful aspects of those schools and avoid mistakes. He pointed out that the theory "Six Qi all follow the transformation of fire" by Liu Hejian contradicts the idea of an "imbalance of the six climatic factors." When diagnosing, one should base their conclusions on the actual conditions of the patient and differentiate between various causes, such as cold, heat, deficiency, and excess, and so on. One should not attribute all pathogenic reasons to excess fire. He also pointed out that the theory "Yang is usually redundant, while yin is ever deficient" by Zhu Danxi is illiberal, arguing that it lost sight of the utmost changes of Yin and Yang, knowing only one aspect of Yin and Yang, but not seeing its integrity. He proposed that, in practice, one should avoid using many bitter and cold herbs that could harm the patient's Yang energy, and instead focus on warming tonification to sustain Yang energy. The core of Zhang Jingyue's theory is respecting water and Yang energy. In practice, this means attaching importance to the Primordial Qi and using warming tonics. His main theory of warm supplementation is introduced in the following three key points:⑴.To correct the theory of Zhu Danxi that "Yang is usually redundant, while yin is ever deficient." Zhang Jingyue proposed the theory that "Yang is ever deficient, while yin is basically not redundant" and discussed it in his articles. ⑵.The ministerial fire could not be seen as a thief. Li Dongyuan proposed the theory that "the ministerial fire is the thief of the primordial Qi" and that "fire and the primordial Qi could not coexist." However, Zhang Jingyue held a different viewpoint based on the ancient work Su Wen·Tian Yuan Ji Da Lun Pian. He proposed that "the sovereign fire is for lightening, and the ministerial fire is for positioning" and that "the sovereign fire is the body and the ministerial fire is for application; the quality and fire are integral." The sovereign fire is not pathogenic, so it is not a thief of primordial Qi. The ministerial fire generates primordial Qi and is a spring and source of life. Thus, "the ministerial fire is not a thief" and "fire and primordial Qi cannot coexist" are incorrect. Therefore, Li Dongyuan identified the "fever of heat" and similar pathogens as "ministerial fire" because it can hurt the primordial Qi. Thus, he called it the "thief of primordial Qi." However, the "ministerial fire" of Zhang Jingyue is different. They are fundamentally different in concept.⑶.The Life Gate Theory: The life gate theory, proposed by Zhang Jingyue, combines Yin and Yang, the five elements, the theory of essence and Qi. The life gate concept was originally recorded in the ancient works Nei Jing·Ling Shu and Nan Jing. By the Ming dynasty, discussion of the life gate had further developed. Zhang Jingyue's life gate theory was influenced by Zhao Xianke. Zhang Jingyue proposed his life gate theory in his work Lei Jing Fu Yi; he also combined it with Yin Yang theory to enrich and develop the theory of the life gate.
Zhang Jingyue's Theory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment:⑴.Clear Syndrome Differentiation, Essential and Professional in Treatment: Zhang Jingyue proposed that the pathogenic reasons of diseases are complicated and varied, as are the treatment methods. The key is to understand the essence of the disease, use prescriptions reasonably, and treat the root cause. Then, eliminating the symptoms is not difficult. He also pointed out that the herbs used should be essential and professional. The number of herbs should not be excessive, but each herb should be selected according to its standard and quantity, otherwise the desired effects will not be achieved.⑵.The important aspect of treatment is physical treatment: Zhang Jingyue placed great importance on physical treatment.⑶.Strengthening the positive energy and paying attention to supplementing Yin: Zhang Jingyue attached importance to strengthening the positive energy. Although he is a representative figure of the warm-supplement school, he also attached extreme importance to nourishing Yin.⑷. Differentiate deficiency and cold in detail, good in the warm supplement: Zhang Jingyue reflected on the mistakes of others and paid attention to the differentiation of deficiency and cold syndromes. He proposed that "cold syndromes have slight symptoms and that physicians might not recognize them." Thus, symptoms must be identified in detail. He criticized the popular opinion that "there is no supplemental method for cold-induced disease," thinking it was very confusing. He corrected this opinion in Shang Han Lun, proving that both supplement and attack methods were applied in the treatment of cold-induced diseases. He also discussed the harm of the theory that "there is no supplemental method for cold-induced diseases" and pointed out that using the attack method without identifying deficiency and excess will hurt health Qi while the pathogenic reasons are not eliminated. Thus, he holds the viewpoint that "cold-induced diseases are totally dependent on deficiency and excess. It is easier to treat a case of excess. It is difficult to treat a case of deficiency because the primordial Qi is already deficient; as a result, the pathogenic reason is not easily relieved. In treating cold-induced disease with deficiency, if a herbalist does not know supporting but only knows attacking pathogens. If the attack method is applied, then the deficient condition turns worse; then there will be no hope of survival." He also explained the reasons for applying the supplement method in treating cold-induced disease and insisted on the treatment principle based on syndrome differentiation. He also criticized popular opinions such as "there is no relief method for dysentery" and "there is no coldness when blood is observed." He proposed that the treatment of diseases should be based on the condition of the disease and should not strictly follow the established old rules. He strongly advised the theory of Wang Haogu, "All six Qi could lead to loss of blood, not only fire," to correct popular hematemesis treatment methods that "all use nourishing Yin to eliminate fire," and he pointed out different principles for various conditions. Zhang Jingyue could identify deficiency and cold in detail and is good at warm supplement because he knew well about the syndrome differentiation and the treatment of Yin and Yang, exterior and interior, cold and heat, deficiency and excess. His approach was not partial and was not based on a method of bias.⑸.According to the syndrome identification, apply the supplement to discharge warm or cool. Zhang Jingyue holds the viewpoint that when applying the supplement to discharge warm or cool, a herbalist should consider the details of the syndrome identification and not insist on one's own opinion. Previous herbalists held the viewpoint that "relieving the exterior should not be away from heat and attacking the interior should not be away from cold." However, Zhang Jingyue believed that this viewpoint was harmful and should be analyzed in detail. He also advocated to follow the principles that the application of supplements should be based on the precondition that "no excess syndrome has been identified." The application of warm supplements should be based on the precondition that "no heat syndrome has been identified." For syndromes of excessive fire and heat, he is against the opinion of "misidentifying deficiency and cold and rashly using warm supplements."
Zhang Jingyue's academic achievements includes classifying the Nei Jing (the Inner Canon) and systemizing the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The ancient work, Nei Jing (The Inner Canon), is one of the four fundamental classics of TCM. The indepth study of the Inner Canon was Zhang Jingyue's contribution to the development of TCM. The work, the Lei Jing, is the result of his thirty years of study of the Inner Canon. He classified both the parts Su Wen and Ling Shu into twelve categories. The content of his classification is basically the same as and consistent with the fundamental theories of modern TCM, such as Yin and Yang, the five elements, Zang-Fu viscera and meridians, pathological reasons and pathogenesis, the four diagnostic methods, and eight principles, including exterior and interior, cold and heat, deficiency and excess, Yin and Yang, treatment methods, and treatment principles, and so on. This proves that Zhang Jingyue had an in-depth study of the Inner Canon.
Zhang Jingyue's academic achievements includes exploration and in-depth study of Shang Han Lun. Zhang Jingyue conducted an in-depth study of the ancient work Shang Han Lun. The related articles are collected in his book Jing Yue Quan Shu·Mai Shen Zhang·Shang Han Dian, which has two volumes. The first volume contains 32 articles that interpret the meaning of the ancient work Nei Jing (The Inner Canon). It corrects the meanings of "Shang Han" and provides an interpretation of the theory of Shang Han Lun. It focuses on general pathogenic reasons, syndrome differentiation, and treatment methods. The second volume contains 26 articles that interpret the main syndromes and symptoms and the treatment of the syndromes. He tried to interpret the ancient work Shang Han Lun from its fine details and meanings that are not easily understood. He also explained its in-depth connotation of Zhang Zhongjing on three aspects: pathological reasons, development and transmission, and eight principles. His method of studying Shang Han Lun is rare and can be counted on fingers.
Zhang Jingyue's academic achievements includes contributions to the fundamental theory of TCM. About the fundamental theory of TCM, Zhang Jingyue held the viewpoint that the theory of medicine and Zhou Yi (the I Ching) were of the same origin. He enriched the application of Yin-Yang theory in TCM with the theory of Zhou Yi (the I Ching), which also promoted the development of the Yi-ology.
Zhang Jingyue's academic achievements include his contributions to TCM diagnostics. Zhang Jingyue emphasized the diagnostic questions of TCM and had specific viewpoints on inspection, inquiry, and pulse-taking. Related articles are collected in his work Lei Jing under the title Mai Se Lei, and articles under the titles Chuan Zhong Lu, Ming Li, and Yin Yang are collected in his work Jing Yue Quan Shu.
Zhang Jingyue's academic achievements include his contributions to prescriptions and medicine. Zhang Jingyue is skilled in supplementing Yang and Yin. He has specific viewpoints on the applications of prescriptions. The related volume, Ben Cao Zheng, is his academic herbalism work, collected in his book Jing Yue Quan Shu. His interpretations and applications of ancient classical prescriptions and newly established prescriptions are collected in the volumes Gu Fang Ba Zhen and Xin Fang Ba Zhen. He proposed application principles of herbs and established a complete theory of physical treatment. Additionally, his work Ben Cao Zheng recorded the herb Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillaria roylei Hooker) earlier than other herbal works.
The Refined and Simple Principle for Medication in Practice: Zhang Jingyue proposed the principle of "Refined and Professional" in his practice of medication. He never passed off fish eyes as pearls. This principle is clearly represented in his work, both incisively and vividly. First, he stated that the potency of herbs should be professional and single-minded. Second, he advised that prescription herbs should be used with refined principles. If herbs are used in chaotic orders with many kinds, their potency and efficacy could definitely not be professional. The medication of his 186 prescriptions is consistent with his principles and proposals in actual practice. They are refined and professional in terms of herb potency and efficacy. They are simple and easy to use, and they produce effective results.
Use ancient prescriptions flexibly. Zhang Jingyue created many new prescriptions based on ancient ones, using flexible applications and supplements with new methods. His skills in transforming ancient prescriptions were unique, based on his creative viewpoints. Based on ancient herbal prescriptions, he created many new prescriptions that achieved obvious results in practice, holding the meaning "intentions better full and penetrating" of those ancient prescriptions. Zhang Jingyue transformed the ancient herbal prescriptions by subtracting and adding herbs, achieving optimal results, applying them skillfully. His transformation and application of other ancient herbal prescriptions verifies both his academic achievement and practical skills.
Zhang Jingyue's academic achievement and contributions to the internal medicine department. Zhang Jingyue made contributions to the syndrome differentiation and treatment of internal medicine departments. He has specific viewpoints on various internal syndromes and new interpretations and innovations in the theories and treatment methods of previous schools and herbalists. His innovations are briefly introduced in six points:⑴.He established the new syndrome named "Fei Feng" to correct the mistakes of "Zhong Feng," identify conditions with or without pathogens, and set up treatment principles based on deficiency.⑵.He classified vertigo and giddiness into types of upper vertigo and lower dizziness and proposed a theory of pathogenic reasons that deficiency in the lower part leads to vertigo.⑶.He differentiated panting into deficiency and excess types and identified cough as an endogenous syndrome or exogenous syndrome.⑷.He differentiated insomnia into a syndrome with or without a pathogen, and differentiated the distension and fullness syndrome according to deficiency or excess.⑸.He differentiated blood syndrome into the Excessive Fire and the Hurt of Qi. Treatment is set up according to the differences between Fire, Qi, and Blood.⑹.He established the prompt diuresis principle for the treatment of diarrhea and the cautious attack principle for constipation syndrome. Dysentery is not only attributed to dampness and heat pathogens.
Attention to Primordial Qi and Disease Prevention: The ancient article Su Wen·Shang Gu Tian Zhen Lun suggested that a person could "pass away over a hundred years", meaning the ancient wise man discovered that the natural lifespan of a person is over 100 years. Zhang Jingyue also holds this viewpoint in his treatise Zhong Xing Lun (The Treatise on Reviving at Middle Age), stating that the natural lifespan of a person should be over 100 years. Although individuals' lifespan may differ for various reasons, including inherited reasons, most people should live to be at least 90 to 100 years old. However, most people became slower in movement after 50 years of age due to a lack of health maintenance during the postnatal period. Jingyue also holds this viewpoint and, in his treatise Zhong Xing Lun, suggests that, except for natural and man-made disasters, this theory not only considers the normal physiological and social demands of living people, but also emphasizes self-control of these demands. Compared to the suppression of normal human desires in previous eras, this represents significant progress in both cognition and practice.
Zhang Jingyue also made new contributions to the theories of health maintenance, senile diseases, and pediatric diseases. His contributions also extend to gynecology, external medicine, the ENT department (ear, nose, and throat department), ophthalmology, psychics, psychosomatic medicine, eugenetics (eugenics), and acupuncture and moxibustion in TCM. Zhang Jingyue's era was a flourishing time for TCM academics and schools of thought. His theories have had a significant impact ever since their introduction. Zhang Jingyue was a renowned herbalist, physician, and medical scientist during the Ming dynasty.
References:
1.Zhang Jiebin: introduction about his biography and legends,main books and academic thoughts.
✵Zhang Jiebin was a famous herbalist from the Ming Dynasty. He was especially versed in the Internal Classic. Zhang Jingyue was well-versed in history and classics and was familiar with the ancient Six Classics and various schools. He spent many years studying the ancient classics, from Huang Di and Qi Bo onward, and had a specific understanding of them. With 40 years of effort, he compiled the famous medical work Lei Jing (the Classified Canon, or the Systematic Compilation of the Inner Canon).
Zhang Jiebin (張介賓Zhāng Jièbīn,1563-1640 A.D.), his aliases are 会卿 (Huì Qīng) and 景嶽 (Jǐng yuè), his alternative name is 通壹子 (Tongyi Zi), was a famous herbalist of the Ming Dynasty. He was especially versed in the Internal Classic. His ancestors immigrated to Hui Ji (present-day Shaoxing) due to their military achievements. He was a smart child with a gift and his hobby was reading books. His father, Zhang Shoufeng (張壽峰Zhāng Shòufēng), taught him ancient medical works from a young age and introduced him as a disciple of the renowned herbalist Yu Mengshi (余夢石 Yú Mèngshí) when he was 14 years old. He learned all of his teacher's skills in a few years. After finishing his studies in medicine, Zhang Jingyue did not start clinical practice immediately. As a generous person who liked to travel, he hoped to fight in battles like his ancestors. So, he joined the army and traveled to areas include Yu Lin, Jie Shi, Feng Cheng, and Ya Jiang. His footsteps were throughout half of China. Later, due to his character and personality not aligning with the secular temporal affairs, he didn't have some achievement in battle. Therefore, he returned to his hometown and began doing medical research.
The book Jing Yue Quan Shu (Jing Yue's Complete Works) was finished by 1640 A.D. It has 24 categories and 63 volumes. It is rich in content and includes theory, herbs, prepared prescriptions, and clinical diseases. It is a complete, systematic clinical reference book. Zhang Jingyue has wide knowledge, is talented, and is skilled in declamation. His articles were written in an impressive manner. They discussed topics from many different angles, referenced many sources, and used strong logic for deduction and inference. This is why Jing Yue Quan Shu (Jing Yue's Complete Works) spread widely and became a must-read for many herbalists in later generations. For two hundred years after that, it was a necessary book for herbalists to read, and it had a significant influence. The book is classified into 24 categories and covers 63 volumes. Its main contents are briefly introduced below: The first three volumes, under the title Chuan Zhong Lu, discuss Yin and Yang, the six climate factors, and comment on previous herbalists and sages. The fourth to sixth volumes, under the title Mai Shen Zhang, select refined and essential theories from various schools for syndrome conditions. The seventh and eighth volumes, under the title Shang Han Dian, discuss syndromes and the treatment of seasonal exogenous diseases in general. The ninth to 36th volumes, under the title Za Zheng Mo, discuss internal diseases in detail, including various wind syndromes, non-wind syndromes, syncope syndromes, wind affection, wind numbness (wandering arthritis), perspiration syndromes, palpitations, wasting thirst syndromes, stagnation syndromes, among others, a total of over 70 kinds. They list classical meanings, discuss syndromes and treatments, and quote previous theses. They also include simple and alternative recipes, as well as acupuncture and moxibustion methods. The 37th and 38th volumes are titled Fu Ren Gui and cover topics such as menstruation, pulse, pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, leucorrhea, breast syndromes, and offspring, and so on. The 39th and 40th volumes are titled Xiao Er Ze and cover topics such as the birth of a baby, infant care, infant convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, night sweats, and infant feverish perspiration, and so on. The 41st through 44th volumes are titled Ma Zhen Quan and Dou Zhen Quan and discuss the pathological reasons and treatment of measles and exanthema variolosum. The 45th and 46th volumes are titled Wai Ke Qian and cover topics such as the syndrome differentiation and identification of external diseases, as well as their treatment and recipes. The 47th and 48th volumes are titled Ben Cao Zheng and record over 300 kinds of herbs. It imitates the categories of the book Ben Cao Gang Mu and classifies herbs into 14 categories and provides introductions to their names, nature, tastes, types of yin and yang, main functions, mechanisms, application scope, precautions, and cautions. The 49th and 50th volumes, titled Xin Fang Ba Zhen, mainly contain a collection of effective new recipes and prescriptions from the author, totaling 186 new prescriptions. The 51st to 59th volumes, titled Gu Fang Ba Zhen, mainly contain a collection of effective ancient recipes and prescriptions, totaling 1,516 prescriptions. The 60th to 63rd volumes, titled Fu Ren Fang, Xiao Er Fang, Dou Zhen Fang Ji Wai Ke Fang, mainly contain a collection of effective recipes and prescriptions for gynecology, pediatrics, exanthema variolosum, and external diseases. It collects essential discussions from previous herbalists and combines them with the author's own subtle conclusions to create a complete work.
Zhang Jingyue's Medical Philosophy: Zhang Jingyue emphasized the study of ancient philosophy. He had an in-depth knowledge of the ancient work Nei Jing (The Inner Canon) and Zhou Yi (The Book of Changes, or I Ching). His purpose in studying philosophy was "to disclose the essential meanings of the I Ching for flexible applications in medical theories." In his works, he wrote sincere advice: "The opinion that one can learn medicine without necessity to study the Zhou Yi is based on the belief that studying medicine is not difficult. It is just similar to such a declaration. However, there are things that are not visible to the eye and sounds that are inaudible to the ear. This view is superficial...The study of medicine and the study of Zhou Yi are necessary for each other. Understanding them both simultaneously allows a herbalist to grasp the changes of the I Ching that come from the heaven and the applications of medicine that come from me." He advised studying the Zhou Yi with medicine. He gave interpretations based on the idea that "the study of medicine and the Zhou Yi are from the same origin" to explain the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine. He said that "the Yin and Yang were already discussed in the Nei Jing (the Inner Canon), but the changes are no greater than those described in the Zhou Yi (the Book of Changes, or the I Ching)." He proposed the Yin and Yang theory, which is the guiding theory of traditional Chinese medicine. His main viewpoints on this subject can be summarized in six key points:⑴.The explanation is the integration, or unity, of the heaven-earth with the San Yuan Taiji Tu (the diagram of the universe in three circles). Zhang Jingyue recorded a graph titled San Yuan Taiji Tu (Diagram of the Universe in Three Circles) in his book Lei Jing Tu Yi. He also quoted a discussion about Yin and Yang from the article Nei Jing·Yin Yang Ying Xiang Da Lun (The Inner Canon·The Great Treatise on Yin Yang Classification of Natural Phenomena Chapter) as a supplemental note, it states: "Yin and Yang are the laws of nature, the principles of all things, the mother of all changes, and the roots of life and death." ⑵.The integration of Yin and Yang: Zhang Jingyue proposed the integration of Yin and Yang, emphasizing the guiding functions of the Yin Yang theory in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. He clearly pointed out the famous inference that "Yin and Yang are two from one." This integration opinion of Yin and Yang comes from the work Nei Jing (The Inner Canon), in which he points out the relationship between Yin and Yang and medicine. ⑶.Respect the importance of Yang and the incompatibility between the healthy energy and the pathogens: Zhang Jingyue respected the importance of Yang. His viewpoint about the importance of the Yang aspect came from the article Nei Jing·Sheng Qi Tong Tian Lun (the Inner Canon·The Vital Qi Access to the Heaven Chapter), combined with the balance of Yin and Yang. ⑷.Combine the Yin and Yang with the Five Elements to create an integration: The theory of Yin and Yang originated in the pre-Qin period, as what taught from the ancient work Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) by Lao-tzu, "all things have Yin on their backs and Yang in their embrace." The five elements theory is an important part of ancient Chinese philosophy. Works such as the Nei Jing (the Inner Canon) combined these two theories. Zhang Jingyue attached great importance to water and fire. This declaration is the philosophical basis for his warm tonic theory of treatment.⑸.The wills and intentions are all from the form and quality: Regarding relationships, Zhang Jingyue wrote in his work Lei Jing Tu Yi·Yin Yang Ti Xiang: "The mosquito's mouth is minimal; Qi and blood can pass through. The louse's eye is very small; it can recognize things. From this, one can deduce that, whether it is the widest and extreme, or the tiniest and essential, it is accumulated with Qi and generated by chance. The biggest cannot be measured, and the tiniest cannot be detected. How can they simply be described as manufactured?" ⑹.The Balance Between Movement and Quiet: Zhang Jingyue clearly pointed out that movement and quiet belong to Yin and Yang. Therefore, he attached great importance to the relationships between movement and quiet in his practice.
The Refined and Simple Principle for Medication in Practice: Zhang Jingyue proposed the principle of "Refined and Professional" in his practice of medication. He never passed off fish eyes as pearls. This principle is clearly represented in his work, both incisively and vividly. First, he stated that the potency of herbs should be professional and single-minded. Second, he advised that prescription herbs should be used with refined principles. If herbs are used in chaotic orders with many kinds, their potency and efficacy could definitely not be professional. The medication of his 186 prescriptions is consistent with his principles and proposals in actual practice. They are refined and professional in terms of herb potency and efficacy. They are simple and easy to use, and they produce effective results.
Attention to Primordial Qi and Disease Prevention: The ancient article Su Wen·Shang Gu Tian Zhen Lun suggested that a person could "pass away over a hundred years", meaning the ancient wise man discovered that the natural lifespan of a person is over 100 years. Zhang Jingyue also holds this viewpoint in his treatise Zhong Xing Lun (The Treatise on Reviving at Middle Age), stating that the natural lifespan of a person should be over 100 years. Although individuals' lifespan may differ for various reasons, including inherited reasons, most people should live to be at least 90 to 100 years old. However, most people became slower in movement after 50 years of age due to a lack of health maintenance during the postnatal period. Jingyue also holds this viewpoint and, in his treatise Zhong Xing Lun, suggests that, except for natural and man-made disasters, this theory not only considers the normal physiological and social demands of living people, but also emphasizes self-control of these demands. Compared to the suppression of normal human desires in previous eras, this represents significant progress in both cognition and practice.
